Acer truncatum x A. platanoides ‘Keithsform’
Acer truncatum x A. platanoides ‘Warrenred’
The Norwegian Sunset® & Pacific Sunset® Maple trees are so similar, they are considered here together. Most notable is that the Norwegian Sunset® is a little taller with more limbs, and the Pacific Sunset® is a little shorter with fewer limbs. Both of these trees appear to be fast growers, but with a moderate mature size, which is a nice combination.
The Norwegian Sunset® has an upright oval form with good branch structure (wide angles) and uniform canopy. It has dark green glossy foliage that turns yellow-orange to red in the fall. The Northwest Shade Tree Catalog and Schmidt Nursery claim that the ultimate canopy size for this tree, grown for 30 years in average urban soil, will be 35′ tall and 25′ wide.
The Pacific Sunset® has an upright spreading rounded crown form with a finer branch structure than Norwegian Sunset®. The crown on the Pacific Sunset® is said to be slightly shorter, at 30′ tall by 25′ wide. Summer foliage color is very glossy dark green, with fall colors turning yellow-orange to red a little earlier than Norwegian Sunset®. Both sunset maple trees appear to be very drought tolerant, showing little if any stress in the late dry summer.
Compared to most other maples, both the Norwegian® and Pacific Sunset® Maples exhibit a thicker, more leathery leaf. These trees also transplant relatively easily. In our nursery and in the landscape, both trees color a bit differently depending on location and the season’s weather. Unfortunately, some years the red, almost maroon, colored leaves tend to fall a little sooner than is desirable. However, I find their fast growth, summer and fall color, and limited height especially exciting and useful. In fact, the Pacific Sunset® may be acceptable under, or next to, relatively high power lines. Please email me with thoughts about your own experiences with these trees.
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Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
Still wondering how Norwegian Pacific Sunset Maples perform in urban or street planting?
Here are some common questions we hear from people considering this tree:
Pacific Sunset is a selection with a consistently upright, narrower form compared with standard maples. Its structure tends to be straighter and more uniform, which helps it fit better in planting strips, medians, and tighter urban spaces where wide trees aren’t ideal.
These maples grow at a moderate rate and typically reach about 30-35 feet in height with a spread closer to 20 feet. Their narrow form makes them easier to place in urban corridors while still delivering good vertical presence.
Yes — their upright shape and reliable structure make them a solid candidate for street tree planting, especially where overhead clearance or width restrictions are a concern. They work well in parking strips, islands, and linear streetscapes.
Pacific Sunset delivers vibrant fall color, ranging from yellow to warm red tones, depending on site conditions and seasonal influences. This makes them a strong choice if seasonal interest is part of the design goal.
Like most maples, they prefer well‑drained soils and consistent moisture while establishing. They are adaptable once established, but good site preparation and adequate soil volume help them perform best in urban environments.